Breath of FreshAyr to sweep through town
Hub for art and trade
It is being hailed as Ayr’s answer to Ashton Lane – and bosses believe their transformation of Queen’s Court can be a catalyst for future generations of traders.
And this weekend, our very own culture hub opens its doors for business.
Those behind the FreshAyr concept insist they can breathe new life into the town.
Pop- up workshops offering a “creative vision for the future” will put their wares to the test.
Art plays a leading role, but pretty much anything goes on this blank canvas.
Project chief Robert Singer said: “Our model takes in everything from the cradle to the grave.
“We see this being Ayr’s version of Glasgow’s Ashton Lane with Newmarket Street acting as Byres Road.
“This is about giving creative talents a platform and making Ayr a cultural capital once again.”
Children from Newton Primary are among the first to have their artwork displayed at an exhibition in the court.
And graduate students from further afield will get the chance to use FreshAyr as a launchpad for their work.
A cafe will also form part of the co- operative model, which kicks off with an official open day this Saturday.
Six empty units are to be transformed as part of the ambitious scheme.
Robert, 64, said: “The initial period will see a number of popup units given the chance to take up space. Longer term, the hope would be that we can achieve funding to make this a permanent arrangement.
“We very much believe in this project and feel the demand is there.”
The public gets its first look at the Queens Court overhaul from 12 noon on Saturday.